INDIANA, USA — UPDATE: Just after 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 23, the National Weather Service said the tornado in Delaware County was rated EF0. They estimated the wind speed was between 60 and 65 mph. The tornado was about 30 feet wide on the ground.
Two confirmed tornadoes and storms moved through central Indiana Sunday evening causing widespread damage, mostly in the eastern portion of the state.
The storms brought what are called "landspouts," which are difficult to see on radar and can bring sudden rotation without any warning. In short, they are a type of tornado that forms differently than typical tornadoes.
The National Weather Service confirmed both tornadoes touched down in Jay County and Delaware County, both around 8 p.m. Sept. 22. The NWS is set to survey the damage on Monday around 8 a.m. to determine the severity of both tornadoes.
The Jay County Sheriff's Office posted on Facebook shortly before 8 p.m. on Sept. 22 warning of the possible touchdown of a tornado outside the town of Portland. The sheriff's office then announced Tyson Road had been closed until further notice.
Heavy damage was reported in Portland. The sheriff's office urged citizens to stay inside unless in the case of an emergency. A viewer shared photos of Jay County High School, showing damage to the building in the wake of the storms.
Due to the damage at Jay County Jr./Sr. High School, classes have been cancelled for Sept. 23.
"This evening, Jay County Jr-Sr High was impacted by a tornado and sustained significant damage in a portion of the building. There have been no reports of injuries associated with this incident. As a result, the Jay School Corporation will be closed tomorrow, September 23rd, 2024, (no eLearning / Remote Learning). We are currently conducting a thorough assessment of the site with local emergency management officials. We will provide an update tomorrow afternoon."
The Delaware County Sheriff says the storm damaged the TK Construction facility. A first responder reportedly spotted a tornado, but the National Weather Service has yet to confirm any kind of funnel clouds.
The town of Cammack, which is near Yorktown and west of Muncie, appears to have gotten severe damage as well. A viewer shared photos of damage in the town.
Other photos show damage to houses in Jay County.
In a Facebook post, Delaware County Emergency Management explained public safety personnel had spotted a funnel cloud and out of caution, set off outdoor warning sirens without a National Weather Service warning.
13News reporter Marina Silva visited the site of TK Construction in Delaware County and observed twisted metal and wreckage from the storm.
More photos show damage at the American Legion in Portland. County Commissioner Brian McGalliard captured photos of the damage and said he was just down the street from the American Legion and never heard anything.
